It’s a shock to most individuals that the nation of Mexico is formally often known as the United Mexican States, and it is because there are 32 states in Mexico, every free to manipulate themselves in inner affairs. Every Mexican state has its personal distinctive sights, from the deserts of Baja California to the tropical rainforests of Chiapas, the colourful metropolis of Mexico Metropolis to the tranquil villages of Oaxaca.
The nation’s wealthy historical past and tradition is mirrored within the states of Mexico. Mexico Metropolis, the political and cultural capital, is full of historic websites equivalent to the traditional metropolis of Tenochtitlan and the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Go to the state of Oaxaca for its indigenous communities and conventional crafts within the state of Jalisco, which is the birthplace of tequila and well-known for its mariachi music and conventional dances such because the Jarabe Tapatío. The state of Yucatán has eye-popping Mayan ruins, equivalent to Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, seashores and coral reefs. So, listed here are the 32 states in Mexico. That are your favourites?
The 32 States In Mexico
An A To Z Of Mexican States
1- Aguascalientes
Does the title give it away?
Aguascalientes, which implies ‘sizzling waters’, is located in central Mexico and will get its title due to the massive variety of sizzling springs that may be discovered all through the state.
The Sierra Fria Nature Reserve is among the state’s high pure sights with gorges and pine forests the place you’ll be able to go tenting, climbing, sports activities fishing and see wild animals like pumas, deer and boar.
2- Baja California
Simply throughout the border from California, the state of Baja California makes up the northern half of the Baja California peninsula.
This state receives a whole lot of guests due to its proximity to the US.
Well-liked spots within the state embody Mexicali, the state capital, which receives many day-trippers from California simply throughout the border.
Rosarito Seaside is a resort city identified for its wild nightlife and San Felipe is one other resort city the place the tides can recede by over a mile (2 km).
In the event you take pleasure in residing on the sting, don’t miss Guadalupe Island, the place you’ll be able to go on a diving tour to see Nice White sharks.
You may additionally take pleasure in touring the Guadalupe Valley wine route.
3- Baja California Sur
On the Baja California peninsula in north-western Mexico lies the state of Baja California Sur.
This state is surrounded by water on three sides, and these waters are among the richest on the planet, drawing vacationers to Baja California Sur every year.
Baja California Sur is recognised as one of the vital sport fishing locations globally.
The primary sights are the seashores, in fact, and most guests keep within the resort cities of Los Cabos on the very southern tip of the peninsula or within the state capital of La Paz on the japanese aspect of the state.
There are a lot of water sports activities actions right here, together with swimming with whale sharks, whale-watching and scuba diving. Camel safaris are additionally extremely popular.
In the event you love diving, don’t miss Cabo Pulmo Nationwide Park, nicknamed the ‘Aquarium of the World’.
4- Campeche
The state of Campeche is situated in southeastern Mexico and borders the Gulf of Mexico on its west coast.
Campeche is wealthy in Mayan ruins and colonial websites. Historical past aficionados will love exploring its cities and jungles.
For a journey into Campeche’s colonial previous, the state capital of the identical title, Campeche has a usually colonial and fortified centre.
In the event you’re curious concerning the Mayans, the ruins at Calakmul are nice for an journey, misplaced deep within the jungles on Mexico’s border with Guatemala and full of fantastic wildlife as a result of state’s humid and rainforest local weather.
Find out more about a five-day tour of Campeche.
5- Coahuila
Positioned in northern Mexico, the state of Coahuila could also be off the normal vacationer path however this doesn’t imply it’s not price a go to.
The semi-desert local weather of the state is ideal for outside actions and can enchantment to extra adventurous traveller varieties.
One among Coahuilia’s highlights is the city of Cuatrociénegas which has its personal distinctive ecosystem of aquamarine swimming pools with over 150 completely different endemic plant and animal species discovered nowhere else on earth.
To understand the great thing about the desert, tenting at Dunas de Bilbao is one other nice expertise this state presents.
6- Colima
Colima, in western Mexico, is among the nation’s smallest states, each in measurement and in inhabitants.
What it could lack in measurement, it makes up for in its abundance of colonial cities, seashores, websites of archaeological curiosity and wildlife.
Colima’s most well-known sights are town of Manzanillo which borders the Pacific Coast and has beautiful seashores, and that state’s capital metropolis, additionally Colima, which is among the oldest cities in Mexico.
Colima has been attracting fishermen for many years because of its status because the ‘World Capital of Sailfish’ with 336 species discovered alongside its shores.
7- Chiapas
As far south as you’ll be able to go in Mexico lies the state of Chiapas.
Regardless of its measurement, this state has seven distinct geographical areas, and its biodiversity is among the predominant attracts for visiting Chiapas.
Alongside its biodiversity, Chiapas has a wealthy cultural historical past with many Mayan ruins and colonial cities to understand.
A number of vacationer routes are mapped out within the state, such because the Maya Route alongside Mexico’s border with Guatemala by means of the Lacandon Jungle and the well-known Palenque ruins.
The ruins have among the most interesting sculptures and structure from the Mayan period.
8- Chihuahua
In central-northern Mexico, the state of Chihuahua is the biggest of Mexico’s states.
You’ve most likely heard of the canine that goes by the identical title as a result of the canine breed, ‘chihuahua,’ was first famous right here within the nineteenth century.
The state of Chihuahua doesn’t get its title from our furry good friend, although however from the Chihuahuan Desert, which covers a big portion of the state.
As one in all Mexico’s most various states geographically, with mountains, valleys, rivers and forests, adventurers from all around the world are drawn to Chihuahua.
Climbing, kayaking, mountaineering, searching and tenting are simply among the adventures you’ll be able to embark on.
Chihuahua’s greatest attraction is undoubtedly the Copper Canyon which is deeper than the Grand Canyon within the USA and will be appreciated aboard the Chepe Categorical, a railway that passes by means of the majestic panorama.
9- Durango
Mountainous Durango in north-western Mexico is a rural and sparsely populated state and one typically related to the wild frontier.
One of the crucial common sights for guests to Durango is the capital metropolis itself, Victoria de Durango, which was declared a nationwide monument due to its wealthy colonial architectural heritage.
Because of the various thermal springs discovered right here, it’s additionally thought of a well being resort.
For an actual journey, take a look at the deepest canyon system in North America, La Quebrada.
Watch out for scorpions!
They’re quite common in Durango, a lot in order that even the soccer workforce are known as the Scorpions.
10- Guanajuato
Guanajuato is among the central states in Mexico, and this central location has performed an vital function in Mexico’s historical past.
The state’s three most-visited sights embody are the cities of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and Dolores Hidalgo.
Guanajuato Metropolis is the state capital, and this very artsy metropolis is exclusive for its subterranean streets, which you’ll explore on a city tour.
San Miguel de Allende, with its everlasting spring local weather and Neo-Gothic cathedral, is common with ex-pats and performed an vital function in Mexico’s independence, however no more so than town of Dolores Hidalgo the place the struggle for independence broke out in 1810.
11- Guerrero
The state of Guerrero is situated in southern Mexico, bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Guerrero is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.
Its three predominant cities that draw guests are known as the Triangle of the Solar and embody the cities of Acapulco, Zihuatanejo and Taxco.
Acapulco was as soon as an vital port metropolis and getaway seashore resort for the well-known and elite.
At present, Acapulco attracts crowds for its nightlife and seashores. It’s a well-liked cruise ship port. Check out this tour.
Zihuatanejo has a extra conventional vibe and is a well-liked vacation spot for sports activities fishing, whereas Taxco has been declared a nationwide monument due to the quite a few historic buildings left over from when Taxco was an vital mining city.
12- Hidalgo
In east-central Mexico, the state of Hidalgo is sort of small.
Regardless of its measurement, it has a thriving tourism business due to its many archaeological websites and mountainous panorama, which is ideal for excessive sports activities.
The Hall Tulancingo has all of it for sports activities lovers, with sports activities actions involving all 4 parts.
Away from the mountains, the Toltec warrior statues on the archaeological site of Tula are a selected draw, as are the ruins at Huapalcalco.
For these on the lookout for a calming trip, Hidalgo ranks second in Mexico for its variety of sizzling springs, reaching as excessive as 80°C (176 °F).
13- Jalisco
Jalisco, in central-western Mexico, is one in all Mexico’s main financial centres, a lot in order that Jalisco’s slogan is ‘Jalisco es Mexico!’ which interprets as ‘Jalisco is Mexico!’
It’s not simply its economic system both, a lot of Mexico’s tradition originates in Jalisco, with mariachi, ranchera music, birria and tequila all originating from this state.
Due to its border with the Pacific Ocean, Jalisco presents guests many seashore resorts and outside actions.
An important vacationer space in Jalisco are Puerto Vallarta, a busy seashore resort city surrounded by lush jungle common for its dolphin watching tours.
Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake which could be very common with ex-pats and the city of Tequila has giant swathes of agave fields the place the well-known drink, named after the city, originated.
14- México
The state of Mexico surrounds the nation’s capital Mexico Metropolis on three sides and has the very best inhabitants and inhabitants density within the nation as a result of spillover from Mexico Metropolis.
Two spectacular sights of this state embody the magnificent ancient city ruins of Teotihuacan with its two huge climbable pyramids, the Pyramid of the Solar and the Pyramid of the Moon. A well-liked exercise is to ride in a hot air balloon over the ruins.
The state’s pure iconic characteristic is the Nevado de Toluca Nationwide Park, situated simply south of the state’s capital, Toluca, the place you could find the snowcapped volcano, Nevado de Toluca is the fourth-highest peak in Mexico and has two lakes at its summit.
15- México Metropolis
Mexico’s largest and capital metropolis, Mexico Metropolis, is handled as its personal state.
It’s the oldest capital within the Americas, constructed on the razed stays of the traditional Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and right now, it’s the sixth-largest metropolis on the planet.
Mexico Metropolis is brimming with museums, artwork galleries and live performance halls, so guests will all the time have one thing to do.
One among Mexico Metropolis’s most visited sights is the sprawling Chapultepec Park, which has its personal fort and homes one of the spectacular museums within the metropolis: the Nationwide Museum of Anthropology (you’ll be able to see the Aztec Calendar stone right here).
Different common sights are the Templo Mayor, the principle temple within the historic capital of Tenochtitlan, and Mexico Metropolis’s historic centre, which has round 1400 buildings from the Sixteenth to the nineteenth century and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
16- Michoacán
The ‘soul of Mexico’ is thought for its heritage; the state of Michoacan is situated in western Mexico and borders the Pacific Ocean on one aspect.
Michoacan is residence to Mexico’s largest lake, Lake Chapala, and the volcano Paricutin which solely fashioned in 1943.
It has been named one of many 7 Pure Wonders of the World as a result of mankind watched its speedy formation.
Each of those sights are actually price a go to.
Michoacan can also be identified for its full of life Day of the Useless festivities, which occur on the island of Janitzio and in Patzuaro, the capital of the traditional Purépecha Empire.
17- Morelos
Positioned in south-central Mexico, Morelos is the second smallest state within the nation.
With a nice all-year local weather, some wonderful pure surroundings and vivid Carnaval celebrations, many guests come to Morelos.
One among this state’s most gorgeous pure sights is El Tepozteco Nationwide Park, a sprawling park that includes 16 mountains and lots of Sixteenth-century monasteries that may be explored on the slopes of the volcano Popocatepetl.
Lovers of historical past will benefit from the ruins of Xochicalco, and should you’re visiting round Lent, don’t miss the city of Tepoztlan, identified for its full of life Carnaval.
18- Nayarit
Mountains and canyons in central-western Mexico dominate the tiny state of Nayarit.
It has grown in reputation as a journey vacation spot due to its seashores which will be discovered close to the colonial city of San Blas within the north of the state.
Many of the coastal communities within the state of Nayarit are genuine and have lengthy been a favorite for backpackers and surfers.
You’ll solely discover resort inns within the south of the state spilling over from the resort city of Puerto Vallarta.
One other common attraction in Nayarit is the man-made island of Mexcaltitan de Uribe, often known as Mexico’s Venice and regarded the Aztec civilisation’s birthplace.
19- Nuevo León
Nuevo Leon, in northern Mexico, is sort of an excessive state climate-wise, seeing little or no rainfall all yr.
This state is nice for nature lovers as it’s residence to one in all Mexico’s grandest nationwide parks, Cumbras de Monterrey.
Guests can go trekking and follow mountain sports activities among the many majestic Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. In the event you’re eager on journey, join this hiking and canyoning experience.
20- Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a state within the south of Mexico and THE state to go to if you wish to expertise Mexico’s wealthy ethnic tradition.
There are over 16 completely different ethnic minorities residing all through Oaxaca who nonetheless communicate their native languages and practise traditions which have existed for 1000’s of years and which have made Oaxaca well-known for its handicrafts and humanities.
The Pacific Ocean that borders Oaxaca’s south is a vital bolster for the state’s tourism providing many spectacular and hidden seashores excellent for browsing.
To entry Oaxaca’s sandy south, there are numerous seashore resort cities you’ll be able to base your self, equivalent to Huatulco, Puerto Escondido and Zipolite.
One other high attraction within the state the ruins of town of Monte Alban, as soon as the capital of the Zapotec empire and now among the best-preserved ruins in Mexico!
Oaxaca doesn’t cease there! This state is regarded extremely for its gastronomy, together with its seven various kinds of moles, mezcal manufacturing and chocolate.
21- Puebla
Positioned in east-central Mexico, the state of Puebla boasts over 2000 historic buildings.
The state’s predominant customer sights embody the state’s capital Puebla which is thought for its loopy quantity of church buildings (there’s a joke that there’s a church for day by day of the yr).
There’s additionally the city of Cholula, with its unbelievable volcano backdrop and the biggest pyramid on the planet by quantity.
In the event you love a problem, head to Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl Nationwide Park and climb the slopes of this still-active volcano Popocatepetl whose slopes are affected by lovely Sixteenth-century monasteries.
22- Querétaro
The state of Queretaro in north-central Mexico hosts many micro-ecosystems starting from desert to tropical rainforest in its small space.
Two historic sights within the state of Queretaro are its capital, which fits by the identical title, and which has a UNESCO World Heritage Web site historic centre and a formidable 74-arched aqueduct.
The state of Queretaro can also be identified for its city of San Sebastian Bernal, the place you could find the third-largest monolith on the planet.
23- Quintana Roo
With the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean coastlines in southeast Mexico, the state of Quintana Roo is called the Mexican Caribbean.
You’ll almost definitely have heard of Cancun, one in all Mexico’s high vacationer locations.
You’ll discover resort cities subsequent to historic Mayan websites in Quintana Roo.
The micro-tourist areas throughout the state embody Cancun, the Riviera Maya, the Maya Zone and the Nice Costa Maya.
Have you ever seen a theme?
Sure, this state is wealthy in Mayan ruins, together with a few of Mexico’s most beautiful ruins at Tulum, which overhang a hidden seashore going through the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
24- San Luis Potosí
The central Mexican state of San Luis Potosi is a vital mining and agricultural centre and one of many less-visited states.
A well-liked attraction on this state is the magnificent waterfalls at Huasteca Potosina area.
The city of Xilitla can also be price a go to and is taken into account one in all Mexico’s ‘Pueblo Magicos’, a title given to cities with distinctive cultural or historic heritage.
Right here you’ll discover the mind-boggling surrealist backyard known as La Pozas.
25- Sinaloa
Sinaloa, in western Mexico, borders the Gulf of California.
This slim state had coastal plains and mountains and is called Mexico’s breadbasket as a result of it has one of many largest fishing fleets within the nation and is among the many main producers of rice, potatoes and greens.
Sinaloa has a whole lot of secrets and techniques should you’re keen to discover.
Some common vacationer locations in Sinaloa embody the cities of Mazatlan, El Fuerte, Cosala and El Rosario, which supply gorgeous landscapes, historical past and handicrafts.
26- Sonora
The state of Sonora, in north-western Mexico, is fashioned of semi-arid deserts and grasslands.
Sonora attracts many guests due to its proximity to the US and its lovely seashores alongside the Gulf of Mexico.
Its most well-known seashores are these of San Carlos, Puerto Penasco, Bahia Kino and the Gulf of Santa Clara in San Luis Rio Colorado.
In the event you take pleasure in lively actions in nature, Sonora is not going to disappoint with scuba diving, sports activities fishing, birdwatching, kayaking and boating to entertain.
27- Tabasco
No! Not the sauce, the state! Tabasco is a state in southeastern Mexico bordering the nation of Guatemala and the Gulf of Mexico.
Tabasco is one in all Mexico’s wettest states, with rainfall all yr spherical.
Because of this, giant elements of the state are lined in rainforests, swamps, jungles, rivers and lagoons, and this biodiversity lends it the nickname of Eden of Mexico.
The most effective sights on this Mexican state is La Venta, an vital web site for the Olmecs, the primary civilisation in Mexico.
28- Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas state in northeastern Mexico is wealthy in pure wealth with rainforests, seashores and waterfalls to discover.
Whereas it shouldn’t put you off, it is very important journey mindfully on this state as its status for crime is among the worst in Mexico.
To totally recognize this Tamaulipas’ biodiversity, you shouldn’t miss the ‘El Cielo Biosphere Reserve’, which is residence to jaguars, coyotes and lots of different reptiles.
This reserve is usually engulfed in low clouds, the place it will get its title, ‘el cielo’, ‘the sky’.
Tamaulipas additionally performs an vital function in Mexico’s historical past, housing the primary capital of Mexico, Ciudad Victoria and the as soon as vital port city of Tampico.
29- Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala in southeast-central Mexico is the nation’s smallest state.
This state is wealthy in historical past, with a few of Mexico’s earliest colonial buildings and Mexico’s oldest church.
An imposing backdrop of the state is the La Malinch volcano, a nationwide park the place guests can take pleasure in actions like tenting, mountain biking, horseriding or mountaineering.
Tlaxcala has a protracted custom of bullfighting, significantly within the magic city of Huamantla, which is taken into account the capital of bullfighting.
30- Veracruz
Veracruz, in central-eastern Mexico, is thought for its colonial architectural heritage, indigenous ruins and multiethnic delicacies.
The state’s largest metropolis, which fits by the identical title, Veracruz, was an vital buying and selling port throughout colonial instances and is the place most of this state’s tourism is concentrated.
Prime sights to the state embody Veracruz Nationwide Park, an space of 23 coral reefs simply off town of Veracruz’s coast, and Pico de Orizaba Nationwide Park, the place you could find Mexico’s highest mountain.
31- Yucatán
Positioned in southeast Mexico and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, the state of Yucatan is called Mexico’s most secure state and has a singular tradition and delicacies because of its relative geographical isolation up to now.
What’s attention-grabbing concerning the state of Yucatan is that it’s fashioned from the stays of an enormous crater, the Chicxulub Crater.
It was fashioned from a meteor collision 66 million years in the past, which scientists consider performed a component within the extinction of the dinosaurs.
This state was a centre of Mayan tradition and is residence to the well-known marvel of Chichen Itza and lots of lovely cenotes or underground sinkholes for swimming and snorkelling.
Different cities of curiosity throughout the state embody the capital of Merida, the cultural hub of southern Mexico, and the small picturesque colonial metropolis of Vallodolid. This tour is extremely popular.
32- Zacatecas
The state of Zacatecas in north-central Mexico is finest identified for its wealthy silver deposits, colonial previous, and relevance through the Mexican Revolution.
Zacatecas’ capital metropolis of the identical title is a World Heritage Web site due to its wealthy architectural historical past funded by the silver mines that operated within the mountains surrounding town and which have been one of many largest wealth sources for the Spanish colonisers.
Well-liked sights within the state of Zacatecas embody the Sierra de Organos Nationwide Park.
This park has many oddly-shaped eroded rocks and is common amongst hikers, excessive sports activities lovers and photographers.
